noun
chamber maid; female servant
Historical term for a female attendant or maid in a samurai or noble household. Not used in modern contexts.
江戸時代、腰元は武家の奥向きで仕えた。
In the Edo period, chamber maids served in the inner quarters of samurai households.
noun
area around the hips; waist area
Refers to the physical region of the hips or waist. This sense is rare and may be encountered in older texts or specific contexts.
腰元に手を当てて、痛みをこらえた。
He put his hand on his waist area and endured the pain.